…. I guess I am a little worried that if I start selecting the modes then I will loose some of the autofocus settings !
Beginners nerves I guess....lol
No worry, you will not loose autofocus
Keep it on AF-C and single focus point (you mention that the single point is in the center, which is a good position. Did you realize you can move the focus point/area, by using the small toggle/joystick; pressing the same toggle, moves the focus point back to the centre (these are the factory settings, though you can change the behaviour) - this may not be useful when hunting for the bird in flight, but it will help for the picture composition)
PS.: if the focus point doesn’t move, you have the switch likely on the ‘L’-position, just change and the focus point should be able to be moved